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If it's one thing, moms know how to do it's RALLY! Am I right ladies? No matter what, us mamas get up, show up, and rally each day giving our families our all.

If you're like me, your day consists of a constant juggling act between home, kids, activities and in my case, small business life. One of my biggest battles is meal planning and prepping. I'm a terrible shopper, and if I'm frank, I'm not the world's best cook either. I tend to overbuy the wrong items and end up still trying to pull something together for my family after a big grocery haul. #truth

Prep+Rally is a meal prep system to help you save not only time and money but help the busiest family get creative with healthy meals throughout their busy week! Founded by Dini Klien, Chef, media personality and mama to two. This mompreneur is here to help her fellow mamakind out!

Each week you'll receive an email with the following week's menu, grocery list, recipe cards, and even a printable pdf along with a blog video to help even the worlds worst cook (me) out in the kitchen taking the guesswork out of the dreaded what's for dinner battle. Prep+Rally helps you cover four nights of dinners with some leftovers and maybe even a lunch or two. Their recipes are kid-friendly for even the pickiest of little eaters (Fletcher I'm talking to you, kid!). It even offers swaps and modifications to help you achieve a meal for all.

Prep+Rally offers three ways to help you "rally" from a monthly plan starting at $11.99 to a full annual plan at $99.99 filled with access to a private facebook group for additional support and community of like-minded mamas trying to get a hot meal on the table for their hungry crew just like you!

Use code for 1 FREE month: FREEMONTH

Date

December 04 2018

Written By

Julie Khaled

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You begin to Google “baby this” and “baby that” and start to feel overwhelmed by all the information. I know, its a lot. Have you considered hiring a doula to help navigate all things related to having a baby?

A what? What’s a doula? Let me tell you!

The word “doula” /doo-la/ is derived from the Greek meaning “female servant”. It is also known as a birth companion, birth coach, or post-birth support. Doulas are non-medical and trained to support a woman before, during and after childbirth. Doulas provide emotional, physical and educational support to a woman’s partner and family.

Essentially, we reduce fear and instill strength.

Many people have heard the word “doula" but maybe thought “those are for home births, right?”, “I have a midwife already so don't need a doula", “I'm not having a natural birth, I'm getting an epidural” or “the nurses will be with me, helping us".

Doulas are not just for a home birth or unmedicated/ ”natural” birth. Doulas support every type of birth from unmedicated, medicated, vaginal, planned/unplanned cesarean, home birth, hospital or birth center. Heck if you told me you wanted to have your baby in a field with rainbows and unicorns, I would be there! My point is, doulas are there for non-judgmental support for all types of birth. A doula is part of your support team and there to work with your provider (Midwife or Obstetrician), nurses and/or partner, friends, and family. Those fabulous nurses would love to stay by your side the entire time you are in labor but the reality is, they can't, they're too busy. Not only does having a doula provide support prenatally, but your doula will arrive to support you while in labor, without shift changes, and remain until your baby is born. A doula can help support your partner along the way too. Making sure they are informed, nourished, rested and hydrated. Yes, your partner needs those things too! I always tell partners this is important because when it's time to meet baby, they're fully present. If your partner steps out to eat, make a call or just go for a walk, you are never left alone because your doula is there. I had a partner who was asked “why do you have a DOULA?” and the partner said “The doula is my consultant! I don't know about all this stuff!”. It's like when someone hires a wedding planner for their big day, we help for the arrival of your baby.

During your pregnancy, your doula is there to answer any questions or address any concerns that may come up during your pregnancy. They can help you have a better understanding of labor and delivery, the hospital or birth center and the postpartum period. The doula will come to your home for prenatal visits and discuss everything from your birth preferences or “birth plan", comfort techniques, baby gear, postpartum, address your fears and concerns and MORE! Once you are in labor, your doula will come and stay until your baby is born. The doula will then will come when you are home to check in to see how you are feeling/doing and how everyone is transitioning as a new family.

A Postpartum doula is there to help when you are home with your baby. Postpartum doulas can support you during the day or even overnight for some much-needed sleep.

Postpartum doulas help you with all things related to newborn care, adjusting to motherhood, breastfeeding, bottle feeding, making sure you are fed, rested, hydrated, do light housework and be a non-judgmental ear to listen.

How do I find a doula?

The best way to find a birth or postpartum doula is by checking with organizations that train and certify doulas like ProDoula. Call your doctor or midwife, childbirth educator, other moms or local hospitals or birth centers to see if they have any doula recommendations. Remember when choosing a doula ask their training/credentials, references and what inspired them to become a doula. Your doula should not try to impose their beliefs or own philosophy about birth. They should be able to work well with the rest of your birth team and support your vision for the big day.

There is no pass or fail, the right or wrong way to give birth. This is a day that you meet your beautiful baby and you'll remember forever. You will tell this story again and again and it should be one that evokes positive emotions, feelings of love and empowerment.

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From coast to coast, people are getting excited about mezcal, the smokier alternative to tequila. Enjoyed by itself or mixed into a cocktail, this agave-based alcohol has become extremely popular in the past few years. Since tequila is considered to be a type of mezcal, you’ve most likely already experienced this flavorful drink in one way or another. From how it’s made to how it’s served, mezcal is a versatile distilled alcohol that is easy to enjoy. Keep reading to learn more about this unique spirit!

What is Mezcal?

Originally made in Mexico, mezcal is the official name for any agave-based liquor with an alcohol content ranging from 40 to 55 percent. Mezcal is made in only nine specific regions of Mexico, including Oaxaca, Durango, Guerrero, Guanajuato, Tamaulipas, San Luis Potosi, Puebla, Michoaca and Zacatecas.

Mezcal vs. Tequila

As the saying goes, “All tequilas are mezcal, but not all mezcals are tequila.” While both share similar qualities, they also have several differences that make them easy to tell them apart! Differences include the type of agave each drink is made with and what region they are produced in.

Tequila

Tequila is made using only blue agave, a succulent which takes about eight years to mature. Quality tequila has a smooth, subtle taste.

Almost all tequila is produced mostly in Jalisco and in smaller designated areas of four other Mexican states, including Michoacan, Guanajuato, Nayarit and Tamaulipas.

Mezcal

Mezcal can be made from a variety of agave plants, including Blue Agave. Espadín is the most common type of agave used in mezcal production. It is known for its signature smokey flavor, and tends to be sweeter than tequila.

Mezcal is primarily produced in Oaxaca, though it is also made in Puebla, Durango, Michoacan, Guanajuato, Guerrero, San Luis Potosi, Zacatecas and Tamaulipas.

Types of Agave Used in Mezcal

Mezcal can be made using either one type of agave or a combination of different types, as long as the blend is 100% pure agave with no added fillers. The flavor is described as smoky, sweet and earthy depending on the agave used. The varieties of agave that are used the most for mezcal are:

Espadín: This type of agave is used in 90% of mezcal varieties. Since it’s closely related to blue agave, mezcal made with Espadín tastes very similar to tequila.

Tobalá: Due to its small size and long growing period (12-15 years), this agave is considered to be very rare. Mezcal made with Tobalá is known for its light, floral and sweet taste.

Tepeztate: Considered a wild agave, this plant can be found hanging off mountain cliffs and nestled in rocky soil. The taste of mezcal made with Tepeztate is said to be earthy and herbal.

Tobaziche: This agave plant can look and taste very different depending on where it is grown. It’s often harvested wild and is easily recognized by its savory flavor.

Arroqueño: While most agaves used for mezcal are found in Mexico, this plant has started popping up all over the United States. The flavor is described as floral, but can also have a spicy, bitter note.

How to Make Mezcal

It takes time and patience to create the perfect batch of mezcal. The craftsmen who make mezcal are known as Maestro Mezcaleros—a term used as a sign of respect due to the delicate process of making mezcal.

Although the production is similar to making wine, making mezcal takes more time and practice. Grapes can be harvested every year, but many types of agave plants take years to mature.

When it comes to the mezcal process, it’s the simple ingredients that make it so special. The piñas, also known as the heart of the agave plants, are cooked in an in-ground pit, crushed, mixed with water and left to ferment. It’s the process, rarity and age of the plant that make mezcal such a treasure.

How to Enjoy Mezcal

By itself

According to experienced mezcal drinkers, the agave drink is made to be sipped. It’s typically served in a small shot glass and slowly enjoyed. It can be served at room-temperature or chilled and garnished with a lime wedge or an orange slice.

In a cocktail

The smoky aroma of mezcal pairs perfectly with a number of flavors, especially those that typically go well with tequila. Use tangy juices such as pineapple or lime to shake up your tastebuds with only a few ingredients, or dress up a simple serving of mezcal with fresh fruit like raspberries.

Mezcal Drink Recipes

Mezcal is a great substitute for tequila and other liquors in a cocktail. Daiquiris and negronis are just a few of the traditional cocktails getting upgraded with mezcal. Here are fun drink recipes to help you find some inspiration before creating your own mezcal cocktail!

Grilled Pineapple Margarita

Amp up the savoriness of your favorite cocktail with a splash of mezcal and a grilled pineapple. This tangy margarita is the perfect combination of fruit and spice!

Recipe

-1 part mezcal

-2 parts pineapple juice

Garnish

-Grilled pineapple

-Lime

-Chili lime seasoning

Basil Cranberry Julep

Enjoy a delicious spin on a classic julep by combining some basil, a splash of cranberry juice and mezcal. The tart fruit flavor and smokiness is perfect for sipping and enjoying slowly.

Recipe

-1 part mezcal

-1 part cranberry juice

-Basil for garnish

Tip: Muddle the basil before adding the other ingredients for added flavor.

Mezcal Mai Tai

Add a unique spin to your favorite tropical drink with the addition of mezcal. Don’t forget to slip in a colorful mini umbrella!

Recipe

-1 part mezcal

-1 part rum

-2 parts pineapple juice

-1 part cherry juice

Garnish

-Orange slice

-Maraschino cherry

Mezcal Mule

Enjoy a twist on this refreshing cocktail by swapping out the vodka for mezcal. Mint, combined with lime and ginger ale, are the perfect additions to this flavorful drink.

Recipe

-1 part mezcal

-3 parts ginger beer

-Splash of lime juice

Garnish

-Lime wedge

-Mint

The next time you’re in the mood to stray from your usual drink order, ask for a glass of mezcal! This agave-flavored alcohol is perfect to sip from shot glasses during a night in at home with friends or mixed into a refreshing drink on a night on the town. You can find your new favorite type based on whether you prefer smoky or sweet. With over 30 types of agave, there are so many options to see and sip!

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Last week Sarah bought tickets to our local movie theater to see Made for More and "Go watch this inspirational woman!" as a team building outing. I like motivation. So we made a night out of it with some of our friends. We went to Yardhouse for happy hour, chatted about current life situations, then we walked to the theater. Let me tell you, as soon as we walked in and looked around, we thought "Oh my goodness! We should have gotten here earlier...not sure if we can find 4 seats together!" Once we sat down, the movie started and learned a bit more about this Rachel Hollis person everyone has been ranting and raving about. She and her husband have 4 beautiful children and recently moved to Austin, TX from Los Angeles. She was raised in a Christian house and on paper probably had a "squeaky clean" resume. But the way she was able to open up on screen and talk about how she is no different from you and I was truly remarkable.

At a young age, she walked into her older brother's bedroom, only to find him lying there surrounded in his own blood with a gun next to his head. She continued to say that before that moment she was a firm believer in the phrase "everything happens for a reason". That moment changed her outlook on the future and morphed that phrase into "there is meaning in everything". Hard times will happen no matter what, that is life. It is the way we deal with these struggles is what sets us apart.

She also went on to be even more real and explain something that I'm sure most of our readers can relate to: body changes after babies. Talking about how boobs that were once perky and the center of attention of all outfits, turn into saggy tube socks...with runny yogurt in them (makes a great visual!) haha

One of her mottos in the movie was "Same you, new mood!" This is kind of a self-pep talk. Take a second to step back, say that to yourself. We are a result of the way we handle difficulties. Everyone has bruises and scars. People are made strong when they pick themselves up and realize to grow from those pains versus wallow in them day after day.

She explains the reason why she starts her conferences by humiliating herself is to help people realize that they are not alone in real life struggles. Too often in today's society we find ourselves feeling inadequate and not "pretty enough" or that we are doing something wrong because our "friend" on Instagram seems to have this thing called life all figured out.

Her call-to-action in this movie and the purpose behind all of her books and podcasts, is this: COMMUNITY. She points out that we are made for more and we need to be surrounded by like-minded people who we can count on and know will support us, and vice versa. She said "If you see a woman sitting by herself...she is your new best friend!" Go up to people, make lasting friendships. Ask the hard questions. "How is your marriage?" "How are you really doing??" Be uplifting instead of tearing down those around you.

Do you love Rachel Hollis? What resonated with you? Share your story with us!!

XO,

Julie

Date

January 13 2017

Written By

skomers

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Our Raise Good Humans launched on January 21st, 2016 with the hope to spread a common goal amongst my friends and followers to simply try our best to “raise good humans” together. The response was incredible and we were blown away from the start. We knew we must be on to something good from the immediate […]